🔗 Share this article Igor Jesus Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros The Brazilian forward has now scored eleven strikes in all competitions for Nottingham Forest this season. Match Summary Forest were already through to the play-offs. Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a opening period lead. The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in command. Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period. The midfielder rounds off a excellent display with a spot-kick. The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground. Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, even though they required several results to go their way. That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16. A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward. Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season. The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then place a shot past the shot-stopper. The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger. Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club. "It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche. "This is another stride forward, but it is a positive step." Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this term with half of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League. His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of competition for his place in attack could be providing motivation. Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box. That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent goals and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement. The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed. These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday. "The minimum requirement is a reaction," added the manager. "I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability. "McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators." Star Performer #19 The Striker Average rating: 9.10 Nottingham Forest Key Performers #19: Average Rating 9.1 J. McAtee: Rating 8.8 #22: Rating 8.63 #6: Rating 8.01 N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9 The Visitors Notable Players #11: Rating 4.1 Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12 #16: Rating 4.09 After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the score shown is the average from all the votes.